The Complete Engineer Initiative

The College of Engineering Complete Engineer Initiative

Engineering Leadership Minor Professional Skill & Intercultural Programs Engaging Student Services Engineering Education and Leadership Research The Complete Engineer Conference

Students working to build a bridge at the Bridge competition

The Complete Engineer Initiative highlights the necessity and supports the development of many non-technical competencies needed to solve the various societal challenges we face in the 21st century and beyond.

At its core, this initiative is a conceptual framework for collegiate engineers to understand that their technical expertise must be paired with essential non-technical competencies to provide comprehensive and sustainable engineering solutions. By providing opportunities for students to develop and apply their understanding of the six core competencies through leadership classes, co-curricular programs and services, we are confident our communities will be even better served by graduates of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering.

To be clear, there is no replacement or substitute for the technical knowledge and skills an engineer possesses. Understanding that these are not exhaustive, the following six competencies were established following feedback from our college partners and employers. They reflect and capture many non-technical attributes that describe engineers who will make progress on the problems facing society.

We will let our research and ongoing conversations with our employers and partners guide whether additional competencies will be added or redefined.

Intercultural Appreciation

Serving society requires in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the various cultures, differences, and experiences that make up our world. Appreciating, understanding and accepting the collective experiences and differences of the teams we lead and populations we serve will produce better solutions to engineering challenges.

Leadership

In its simplest form, leadership is about influencing others to create positive change. It is not an overstatement to say that to engineer is to lead others to a solution. Practicing engineers must lead and lend their expertise in the service of society to those engaged in the solution.

Self-Management

As an engineer you will be called to manage and lead projects, teams, organizations, etc. Therefore, an effective engineer must first learn to lead and manage themselves by reflecting on one’s behavior and experiences, managing one’s time, establishing personal goals, and handling stress.

Service and Civic Responsibility

Engineering is a service profession. Engineers are charged to use their talents and gifts to solve problems that impact others. The performance and practice of engineering is an act of service.

Teamwork

It is rare for a practicing engineer to serve without the benefit of a team.Teams can be composed of people from all walks of life who serve many roles. Working and performing on a team is critical to providing solutions that will meet the high standards of engineering service.

Understanding of Engineering Ethics

Engineers are expected to exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Engineers must hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. Those whom engineers serve deserve nothing less.

Here are a few commonly asked questions and answers that will provide additional context on this initiative.

How do the competencies relate to the ABET Criterion 3 Student Outcomes?

The competencies defined in this initiative are aligned with many of the ABET student outcomes. Each academic program is working to show how these competencies will be leveraged to support and demonstrate the success of each student.

The learning outcomes in our Engineering Leadership Minor are mapped to the ABET student outcomes. You can find the specific outcomes for the minor listed here.

I am an engineering student and/or faculty member, how can I connect with this initiative?

Students: You can begin sharpening your non-technical skill set by pursuing an Engineering Leadership Minor , take a course in our leadership curriculum, and/or attending many of the co-curricular events that have been identified as programs to help you shape your understanding of the six competencies. Please note that we are still framing our current suite of co-curricular programs and developing new programs that will directly align with the six competencies identified in this initiative.

Faculty: You can connect with Karen Stelling to learn more about the current research being conducted and how you can connect.